The Werkplaats Typografie (WT), a part of the ArtEZ University of the Arts, is a two-year graphic design masters programme founded in 1998 by Karel Martens and Wigger Bierma. The WT is centered on assignments and self-initiated projects with lectures, seminars, meetings and readings geared towards self-accountable and independently motivated work and research.
Participants work in a studio which is accessible 24 hours a day. Werkplaats Typografie is directed by graphic designer Armand Mevis. Regular teaching staff includes Maria Barnas, Danny van den Dungen (Experimental Jetset), Constant Dullaart, Paul Elliman, Bregtje van der Haak and Maxine Kopsa. Anniek Brattinga is responsible for the general co-ordination and management of the WT, and is assisted by office manager Liesbeth Doornbosch and Ilke Gers.
Guests are regularly invited to visit the WT to review work, give presentations or supervise workshops. The WT is often invited to take part in national and international festivals, events or site specific projects. Part of the WT programme is reserved for collaborating with external clients.
The WT programme stimulates and practises critical reflection on the basis of a broad cultural perspective, with theory playing a supporting role. Participants engage in artistic research involving content and form, text and image, theory and practice, in relation to professional practice and supervised by leading designers.
Alongside more theoretical research, participants work on real assignments for external clients. With these assignments participants learn to take on a leading role in the process of designing and realizing a final product. The WT programme roughly consists of three components: 1) Presentations, individual and group critiques, workshops; 2) Practical assignments and 3) theoretical orientation in the form of research, excursions and a final thesis. Assignments can be initiated by the WT, external clients, or by the participants themselves.